A house sitter watches your house while you are away for work or vacation, or if you have to be away for an extended period. House sitters can also provide pet-sitting services, staying in your home and caring for your pet while you are away. The house sitter can say overnight in your home while you’re gone, or stop by once a day to ensure everything is in order if your pet doesn’t need overnight supervision. Reptiles and most cats are just fine with daily visits and feeding.

House sitting provides major advantages to the homeowner. A regular presence in your house deters break-ins and theft. Home safety issues such as water leaks get noticed and dealt with right away, so you don’t come home to big problems. A house sitter can bring in your mail daily, care for your houseplants, and provide home safety and peace of mind.

House sitting can help keep your home safe and well cared for so you can be worry-free while you’re away for work or play. There are several steps you can take to make sure you hire a trustworthy house sitter and do your part to be a responsible host. One of the best ways to ensure a safe home is to hire a professional house sitter. Here are some key points to look for when hiring a house sitter:

• Reviews and referrals: When searching for a house sitter, always read reviews. Previous experiences will indicate how the house sitter will care for your home while you’re away.
• Contract: Sign a clearly written contract outlining services to be provided (e.g., mail in each day by 5 p.m.), the daily rate you are paying, and how long the services will be provided. You can also include any agreed-upon house rules in the written contract.
• Your part: Leave important phone numbers (vet, emergency contact, etc.) and information on where to find emergency items like the circuit breaker and the fire extinguisher, and have a credit card on file with the veterinarian in case of emergencies if the house sitter is watching your pets.

For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.